The Seattle Seahawks signing of veteran Tight End Greg Olson was a win for both sides. Olsen is a former three-time Pro- Bowler who was released by the Carolina Panthers last offseason after nine years. Are the Seahawks getting an All-Pro Bowl tight end? No the operative word here is former. Olson had a productive season last year catching 52 passes for 597 yards and two touchdowns in 14 games last year. Olson was target 82 times for a catch ratio of 62%. The Seahawks Tight End Room has talent but injuries have stagnated it’s growth.
INJURIES NECESSITATE URGENCY
Will Dissly has played in just 10 games in the last two years due to season-ending injuries Achilles last year and knee injury in 2018. Jacob Hollister was promoted off the practice squad and proved he is good at blocking and catching the ball at the Tight End position. Hollister is good but not great. The number comparison between Disssly played only six games was targeted 27 times and caught 23 passes for 262 yards and four touchdowns. Hollister started three games last year and saw action in 11 games, catching 41 of 59 targets and 4 touchdowns. Luke Wilson started seven of eight games caught 8 of 10 targets for 79 yards and no touchdowns.
Wilson and Tyrone Swoops who started two games last year will be money saying cuts to balance out the budget for the Olson signing. The Olsen brings heated competition in the Tight End room and if one or two of the players can stay healthy the Seahawks deep middle passing game could prove to be the missing link that was needed to complement DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett’s vertical pass routes.
OLSEN GETS A CHANCE TO COMPETE IN PLAYOFFS
While Olsen talked with Washington and Buffalo the allure of a deep playoff run while catching passes for future Hall of Fame quarterback Russell Wilson was too good to pass up. Olsen signed a one-year $7million contract with a $5.5 million guaratee.
